What duties did Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand perform as agent general of the French clergy?

As agent general of the clergy from 1780 to 1785, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand served as the representative of the French church in its dealings with the government between meetings of the Assembly of the Clergy.1

In this role, he performed the following duties:

• Defending Church Privileges: He vigorously fought to ensure the church retained its property and tenaciously defended ecclesiastical jurisdiction against the encroachments of royal justice.1
• Fiscal Advocacy: He argued for the continued exemption of the clergy from ordinary taxes.1
• Improving Clerical Welfare: He played a role in raising the standard of living for the lower clergy.1
• Diplomatic and Parliamentary Engagement: His duties brought him into regular contact with government ministers and provided him with significant parliamentary experience through his participation in the Assembly of the Clergy.1

These activities were instrumental in advancing his career, ultimately leading to his appointment as the bishop of Autun in 1788.1